Many people are familiar with implants as an option for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. However, another, more natural and alternative option is a DIEP flap reconstruction in Tucson.
At Larson Plastic Surgery, we commonly perform this procedure to restore your breasts using your own tissue. Here’s why more and more women are choosing a more natural alternative to breast reconstruction.
What Is a DIEP Flap Surgery?
DIEP flap reconstruction is a breast surgery that uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from your abdominal area to rebuild your breasts after a mastectomy. This involves making an incision along your lower belly, removing a flap of skin that contains fat and blood vessels, and transferring the tissue to your breasts.
The tissue removed is essentially the same tissue that is removed during a tummy tuck. The blood vessels and sometimes the nerves are re-attached to vessels in the chest under the microscope to re-establish blood flow. Your surgeon, Dr. Ethan Larson, then shapes the tissue to resemble the shape of breasts, giving you natural-looking and durable results.
Dr. Larson did an extra year of fellowship training at the prestigious University of Washington Microsurgical training program in order to maximize his success and outcomes with this procedure.
Benefits of a DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery
Most women appreciate the natural look that comes with this surgery, but that’s not the only benefit.
- Built-in Tummy Tuck: Because we take tissue and fat from your stomach, you receive a contoured abdomen in addition to newly reconstructed breasts. It’s like a belly cosmetic surgery and breast augmentation in 1.
- Permanent Results: Unlike silicone or saline breast implants, which can require at least 1 to 2 replacements, the results from a DIEP flap surgery last the rest of your life.
- Breast Sensations: If requested, Dr. Larson may be able to transfer sensory nerves from the flap to your newly constructed breasts.
- Natural Feel: living human tissue is a better replacement for a breast than a sphere of silicone or saline.
- Personalized: Dr. Larson tailors each procedure to the individual. Taking your own physique and preferences into consideration, he honors the unique individual you are and reflects that in your results.
- Muscle Sparing: Unlike other techniques such as TRAM surgery, the DIEP procedure spares the abdominal muscles, minimizing the risk of hernia and maintaining the strength of the abdominal wall.
Check out our before and after gallery for breast reconstruction to see how your results could look.
Recovery
You can expect recovery to take 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, you will wear compression garments around your chest and abdomen, and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. After your recovery, you may require some touch-up surgery on your breasts or abdomen to ensure everything is “just right.”
Insurance
This is a procedure that is performed for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. You will need to have out of network insurance benefits in order to have the expenses covered by your medical carrier.
Reclaim Your Body
DIEP flap reconstruction in Tucson lets you reclaim your body using your body. For natural results, trust our team at Larson Plastic Surgery. Dr. Larson remains one of the top breast surgeons in Arizona thanks to his dedication to continuing education and providing exceptional results for breast reduction, reconstruction, lifts, and augmentation.
To learn more, request a consultation to meet with Dr. Larson and learn about your breast reconstruction options.
Alternatively, you can also try our treatment planning tool. Once we receive your submission, a member of our team will reach out with available appointment times and potential treatment options.
